North Sioux City is a small town of 2,984 in South Dakota, with a median household income of $62,284
and a 5.2% unemployment rate.
Its cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100), which is
12% below the national average.
Strengths:
North Sioux City stands out for an affordable cost of living, below-average home prices, lower-than-average crime, solid school ratings (B), short average commutes.
Trade-offs:
Potential downsides include an elevated unemployment rate. Whether North Sioux City is right for you depends on your priorities — the full breakdown is below.
All North Sioux City city data on this page comes from official government sources —
the US Census Bureau, FBI, NCES, BEA, and NOAA — updated annually.
Cost of Living
Index: 88.1
North Sioux City's overall cost of living index is 88.1,
where 100 represents the US national average.
Living in North Sioux City costs roughly 12% less than the average American city.
Metric
North Sioux City, SD
National Avg
Median Home Value
$198,600
$244,900
Median Monthly Rent
$1,026
$1,163
Homeownership Rate
50.5%
65.9%
Median Household Income
$62,284
$74,755
Crime & Safety
Very Safe
North Sioux City's violent crime rate is 196.8 per 100,000 residents
— 48% lower than the national average of ~380 per 100,000.
Violent Crime
196.8 /100k
Property Crime
1475.9 /100k
Vertical marker = national average. Source: FBI UCR Program.
Schools & Education
North Sioux City is served primarily by Dakota Valley School District 61-8.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 15.1:1
(better than the national average of ~16:1).
Metric
North Sioux City, SD
National Avg
School District
Dakota Valley School District 61-8
—
Elementary Schools
2
—
Middle Schools
1
—
High Schools
1
—
Student/Teacher Ratio
15.1:1
16:1
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
31.7%
35.4%
High School Diploma or Higher
92.8%
91.1%
Weather & Climate
North Sioux City sees average highs of 29.7°F in January
and 85.7°F in July,
with 32.3 inches of annual precipitation
and 36.0 inches of snow per year.
North Sioux City's cost of living index is 88, where 100 is the national average.
That makes North Sioux City roughly 12% less expensive than a typical US city — a meaningful affordability advantage.
The median home price is $198,600 and median rent is $1,026/month.
North Sioux City's violent crime rate is 196.8 per 100,000 residents — the national average is ~380 per 100,000. Property crime is 1475.9 per 100,000 (national avg ~2,100). Data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
Public schools in North Sioux City are operated by Dakota Valley School District 61-8.
The district has 2 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high schools.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 15.1:1. 31.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
North Sioux City, SD has a population of 2,984, a median household income of $62,284, and an unemployment rate of 5.2%.
It offers below-average costs of living, which stretches take-home pay further than in most American cities. Whether it's right for you depends on your priorities — use the compare tool above to stack it against another city you're considering.
North Sioux City averages 29.7°F in January and 85.7°F in July. Annual rainfall is 32.3 inches
with about 36.0 inches of snow per year.
Based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991–2020).
North Sioux City, SD is covered by 1 ZIP code: 57049.
The population of North Sioux City, South Dakota is 2,984 with a median age of 33.5. Source: US Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
Key numbers for living in North Sioux City: cost of living index 88 (100 = US average), median home $198,600, median household income $62,284, crime index 59 (100 = US average, lower is safer), schools rated B. Whether these are benefits or drawbacks depends on where you're coming from — compare North Sioux City side by side with your current city to see the trade-offs.
